IHIP News - Episode Summary: "Trump Panics Over Leaked Epstein Video FOX News Tried to Bury"

Release Date: July 16, 2025
Hosts: Jennifer Welch & Angie "Pumps" Sullivan

In this riveting episode of IHIP News, progressive podcasters Jennifer Welch and Angie "Pumps" Sullivan delve into the tumultuous landscape of Trump’s latest controversies, focusing particularly on the leaked Epstein video and Fox News' handling of the situation. With their signature comedic flair and incisive political analysis, they unpack the intricate web of media manipulation, political maneuvering, and systemic corruption that underscores the current American political climate.

1. Trump's Lawsuit Against CBS and Settlement Over Edited Interviews

[00:35 – 03:33]

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion about former President Donald Trump's lawsuit against CBS. Trump alleges that CBS deceptively edited his interview with Kamala Harris, aiming to undermine his political strategies, particularly concerning the Paramount merger with Skydance. This legal tussle culminated in a $16 million settlement with the Trump administration.

Katie Fang provides a detailed analysis:
"There was no editing that happened. It literally was push play, hit pause, Push play, hit pause. What we just saw right now is 100% guilt by omission."
[02:07]

She emphasizes that CBS's actions were more about selective presentation rather than outright editing, highlighting the tactic of presenting information in a biased manner to shape public perception.

2. Fox News' Propaganda and the Epstein Video Controversy

[03:33 – 07:16]

The conversation shifts to Fox News' handling of the leaked Epstein video. Trump’s reactions suggest skepticism about the authenticity of Epstein’s death, especially given the "weird situation" surrounding the event and malfunctioning cameras.

Katie Fang critiques Fox News sharply:
"Fox News is over there, just straight up propaganda."
[04:31]

She argues that Fox News perpetuates a biased narrative, focusing excessively on Biden by mentioning his name "90 times" while downplaying or ignoring the Epstein connection with Trump. This selective reporting, she contends, fuels misinformation and erodes public trust.

The hosts also discuss the disturbing alliance between Trump and figures like Laura Loomer and Tucker Carlson, who amplify calls for transparency in the Epstein case while simultaneously protecting Trump’s interests. Fang underscores the importance of non-partisan pursuit of truth, especially in cases involving federal prosecutions of high-profile individuals.

3. The Call for a Special Counsel and Ethical Oversight Failures

[06:27 – 09:04]

A significant portion of the episode examines the recommendation for appointing a special counsel to handle the Epstein files. Katie Fang questions the necessity of this move, suggesting that releasing redacted, non-compromising information could suffice without granting undue influence to Trump.

Fang further delves into the troubling actions of Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who recently fired her personal ethics advisor, Joseph Terrell, a veteran with two decades at the Department of Justice (DOJ).
"This has been going on for decades... they have eliminated inspectors general, and they took the guy who used to be the DOJ watchdog, Michael Horowitz, and moved into the Federal Reserve, of all places."
[11:09]

She laments the erosion of ethical oversight within federal institutions, pointing out that such moves undermine the integrity of the DOJ and exacerbate political corruption. The discussion highlights the lack of accountability and the politicization of federal agencies, which hinder objective investigations and perpetuate systemic flaws.

Katie Fang also touches on the broader implications of whistleblower protections, advocating for robust mechanisms that allow individuals to expose wrongdoing without fear of retaliation. She cites the example of Rio Vanni, a former DOJ lawyer who stood against unethical policies, emphasizing the need for courage and integrity within the justice system.

Key Takeaways

• Media Manipulation: Both CBS and Fox News are scrutinized for their roles in shaping narratives that benefit Trump, through selective editing and biased reporting.

• Legal Settlements: Trump's $16 million settlement with CBS underscores the high-stakes nature of media influence in political strategy.

• Ethical Oversight: The firing of ethics advisors like Joseph Terrell signals a troubling decline in accountability within federal institutions, raising concerns about the integrity of ongoing investigations.

• Call for Transparency: The hosts advocate for non-partisan transparency, especially in high-profile cases like Epstein’s, to restore public trust and ensure justice is served without political interference.

Notable Quotes

• Katie Fang on CBS Editing:
  "There was no editing that happened. It literally was push play, hit pause, Push play, hit pause."
  [02:07]

• Katie Fang on Fox News:
  "Fox News is over there, just straight up propaganda."
  [04:31]

• Katie Fang on Ethical Oversight:
  "This has been going on for decades... they have eliminated inspectors general, and they took the guy who used to be the DOJ watchdog, Michael Horowitz, and moved into the Federal Reserve, of all places."
  [11:09]

Conclusion

Jennifer Welch and Angie "Pumps" Sullivan provide a compelling narrative that exposes the intertwined nature of media bias, political corruption, and ethical failures within federal institutions. Their thorough examination of Trump's legal battles, Fox News' propaganda, and the dismantling of ethical oversight offers listeners a sobering insight into the challenges facing American democracy today. By advocating for transparency and accountability, IHIP News underscores the necessity of vigilant, independent media in safeguarding the truth.